Yr Olds Research Articles

Sensitization rates to food allergens and prevalence of reported and objectively assessed food allergies amongst 15-year olds in UK

Rationale In the UK most food related fatal anaphylaxis occurs amongst teenagers. We investigated an unselected population of 15yr olds to ascertain the prevalence of food sensitization and food allergy. Currently there are no epidemiological data available for this age group. Methods Prevalence of reported food problems was established by questionnaires to parents of 15 year olds living on the Isle of Wight (n=765, M: 383). Children were subsequently invited for SPTs (n=636, M:311) to a panel of food and aeroallergens. Those with a convincing history were invited for food challenges. Results 12.8% (98/765) reported problems with foods (with 19.2% actively avoiding some foods). Of the 18 (2.36%) invited for food challenges, 6 declined, 3 were known allergic, 4 didn't improve on food elimination and 3 had a negative challenge. Two with positive open challenges are undergoing DBPCFCs. Rates of sensitization to the food or aeroallergens tested were 12.89% (82/636) and 25.63% (163/636) respectively. Individually, these were: Milk 0.31% (2/636); Egg 0.16% (1/636); Wheat 11.95% (76/636, 90% grass cross-reactivity); Fish 1.26% (8/636); Peanut 2.36% (15/636); Sesame 0.79% (5/636); HDM 16.5% (105/636); Cat 7.23% (46/636); and Grass 15.41% (98/636). Only 11/98 children reporting a food allergy were sensitized to that food. Sensitization rates were higher in boys than girls for both food (OR 1.66 [1.0-2.73], p=0.04) and aeroallergens (OR 2.27 [1.54-3.33], p<0.001). Conclusion Reported food allergy is common in 15-year olds but the rate of relevant sensitization is low. The food sensitization s rate varies amongst this age group with significant differences between boys and girls.

AGE ASSOCIATED GAIT ADAPTATIONS OCCUR FIRST AT THE KNEE AND LATER AT THE HIP

Aging causes a reorganization of neuromuscular function such that old vs young adults use more hip and less knee and ankle torque in level and stair gait. PURPOSE We now ask, at what age does this reorganization occur? Since many physiological properties decline rapidly after age 70, we expected the reorganization would not be observed in middle age but in old adults. METHOD Video and GRF data were obtained during level and stair gait from 20 young, 20 middle age and 20 old adults in 5 distinct age groups. Joint torques were computed with inverse dynamics and extensor angular impulse was calculated at each joint. One way ANOVA with 5 age levels was used to identify age group differences with 2 comparisons: 20 vs 60 yr olds and 20, 50 & 60 vs 70 & 80 yr olds. RESULT Hip impulses were not different between 20 and 60 yr olds but were 55% and 66% larger in old vs young and middle age adults in the tasks (both p < .05). Knee impulses were 45% and 21% lower in 60 yr vs 20 yr olds in the tasks (both p < .05). Knee impulses were not different between young and middle age and old adults. Present ankle torque differences were not significant.Table 1: Angular impulse mean (sd) in NmsCONCLUSION Age associated reorganization in neuromuscular function occurs first in the knee extensors and later in hip extensors. Increased hip torque in 70 and 80 yr olds may be a compensatory response to reduced knee torque seen in 60 yr olds. Supported in part by NIH AG16192 grant.

Obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents.

Overweight/obesity continues to increase in children and adolescents, and annual obesity-related hospital costs in 6-17 yr olds have reached 127 million dollars per year. Overweight children and adolescents are now being diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, and they show early signs of the insulin resistance syndrome and cardiovascular risk. Several risk factors have been identified as contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk in youth. These factors include increased body fat and abdominal fat, insulin resistance, ethnicity (with greater risk in African-American, Hispanic, and Native American children), and onset of puberty. There is no clear explanation of how these factors increase risk, but they appear to act in an additive fashion. We hypothesize that the constellation of these risk factors may be especially problematic during the critical period of adolescent development, especially in individuals who may have compromised beta-cell function and an inability to compensate for severe insulin resistance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk in obese children and adolescents.

Calving time and foetus growth among wild reindeer in Norway

Mean calving dates among 7 wild reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus) herds in southern Norway varied between the 6th and the 27th of May. Ln transformed foetus weights relate linearly to ln age in days. Regression analyzes based upon 225 days pregnancy predicts birth wet weights between 4600 and 7500 g in the different areas and years. At 130 days, foetus weights varied between 547 and 746 g (mean=681, standard deviation s=63) in all areas and years, indicating that foetus growth up to this size is independent of mothers body weight or condition. During the remaining 95 days of pregnancy, very poor body condition, reflected in dressed weights, resulted in slower foetus growth and smaller regression estimated birth weights. The foetus weight variation recorded at similar dates within areas and sampling years indicates a dispersed breeding time mostly within two ovulations. A small sample of foetuses from pregnant yearlings and calves indicate that these cohorts conceive later than 2 yr + females. Assuming similar foetus growth pattern among all female age cohorts within areas, yearlings conceive around 1 week later and calves (in Ottadalen) more than 3 weeks later than 2 + yr olds.

GENDER AND AGE SPECIFIC LANDING CHARACTERISTICS IN YOUNG BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Several studies have documented gender differences in anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) rates in athletes of all ages. In basketball, females have more than 3 times higher ACL injury rates than males. Most studies regarding ACL injury have examined college age athletes; few have involved growing children and teenagers. PURPOSE: To determine whether or not vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) while landing onto a single leg play a role in explaining the gender difference in ACL injuries. METHODS: We recruited 41 players (22 females, 19 males) in 2 age groups (11–13 yr, 15–17 yr) from participants in an American Youth Basketball Tour national tournament. Leg dominance was determined by strength testing of the quadriceps and hamstrings. Participants hung from a high bar that was adjusted so that the lateral malleolus was 40 cm above the ground, then released the bar and landed on 1 foot onto an AMTI force platform. Each participant performed 3 drops on each leg. The 3-D ground reaction forces were sampled at 1200 Hz, and were processed using inhouse code written in Matlab 6.0, converting volts to forces in body weight units. Two way ANOVA design was used to evaluate for gender and age related differences in peak vGRFs and corresponding time to peak for dominant and nondominant legs. RESULTS: The data showed a significant age-gender interaction for peak vGRF during landing on the dominant leg (F = 6.278, p = .017). The 11–13 yr old females landed with higher peak vGRFs than males. This pattern reversed in the 15–17 yr old group. A similar but nonsignificant pattern occurred for the nondominant leg. No significant differences were noted for times to peak vGRFs. CONCLUSION: Among 15–17 yr olds, peak vGRFs were lower in females. Prior strength data analysis revealed that the same older females had weaker quadriceps relative to body weight than the males, which may partly account for peak vGRF differences. Lower vGRF likely indicates a softer landing produced by higher knee flexion. This may allow greater valgus and rotation at the knee, which have been shown to increase the load on the ACL. Such a combination may increase the risk for ACL injury. Supported by the Indian University President's Summer Undergraduate Research Initiative and the Quaker Oats Company.

Analysis of narrative ability in children with cochlear implants.

The purposes of this study were to: 1) develop a scoring system to assess narrative ability in children; 2) evaluate the impact of auditory speech perception with a cochlear implant on narrative ability; and 3) evaluate the importance of narrative ability to reading comprehension in deaf children. Narrative productions prompted from an eight-picture sequence story were elicited from 8 and 9 yr olds; 87 who had at least 4 yr of cochlear implant experience and 28 who had normal hearing. The stories were transcribed and a scoring system for narrative ability was developed based on the use of complete narrative structure, conjunctions linking semantic relations, and referents that served to identify and distinguish characters in the narrative. Narrative ability scores of cochlear implant users were examined in relation to their age, IQ, speech perception, language, and reading test scores. In addition, narrative ability scores for children with normal hearing were compared with two groups of cochlear implant users, those with above average speech perception scores and those with below average speech perception scores. Within the sample of hearing-impaired children, narrative ability scores correlated significantly with speech perception, language syntax, and reading test scores. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict reading comprehension scores from four predictor variables (age, IQ, language syntax, and narrative ability). Results reflected the independent contribution of discourse-level language skills, as measured by the narrative ability score, as well as sentence-level language skills in predicting reading test scores. Analysis of stories obtained from 8- and 9-yr-old children with normal hearing revealed the classic pattern that included a high point, a resolution, and one or more evaluative statements. Their stories achieved cohesion from correct use of both conjunctions and referents. Deaf children who received above-average speech perception scores with a cochlear implant (i.e., scored above 48% on the Word Intelligibility by Picture Identification speech perception test) told narratives that were similar in structure and use of referents to those of age mates with normal hearing. Although their use of subordinate conjunctions was not as well developed as normal-hearing children, it was significantly above that of deaf children who received less speech perception benefit after a similar period of implant use. These below-average speech perceivers exhibited significantly poorer use of narrative structure and cohesive devices than either normal-hearing age mates or children who achieved above average speech perception with a cochlear implant. Narrative ability is an important predictor of reading comprehension ability in deaf children above and beyond IQ and syntactic competence. Children who receive a cochlear implant under 5 yr of age and obtain above average speech perception benefit from the device construct narratives that are similar in structure and cohesion to those of their hearing age mates by age 8 to 9.

Diet and asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema symptom prevalence: an ecological analysis of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) data. ISAAC Phase One Study Group.

Several studies have suggested that the increasing prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis and eczema, could be associated with dietary factors. In the present paper, a global analysis of prevalence rates of wheeze, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema was performed in relation to diet, as defined by national food intake data. Analyses were based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) data for 6-7 and 13-14 yr old children. Symptoms of wheeze, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema symptom prevalence were regressed against per capita food intake, and adjusted for gross national product to account for economic development. Dietary data were based on 1995 Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations data for 53 of the 56 countries that took part in ISAAC phase I (1994/1995). The 13-14 year age group showed a consistent pattern of decreases in symptoms of wheeze (current and severe), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema, associated with increased per capita consumption of calories from cereal and rice, protein from cereals and nuts, starch, as well as vegetables and vegetable nutrients. The video questionnaire data for 13-14 yr olds and the ISAAC data for 6-7 yr olds showed similar patterns for these foods. A consistent inverse relationship was seen between prevalence rates of the three conditions and the intake of starch, cereals, and vegetables. If these findings could be generalised, and if the average daily consumption of these foods increased, it is speculated that an important decrease in symptom prevalence may be achieved.

Prevalences of symptoms of asthma and other allergic diseases in korean children: a nationwide questionnaire survey.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the national prevalence of childhood asthma and other allergic diseases in Korea, and to determine potential risk factors for the diseases. Stratified random samples of 42,886 were selected from 34 elementary (6-12 yr olds) and 34 middle schools (12-15 yr olds) nationwide, and 38,955 were in the final analysis. The Korean-translated modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was used in this cross-sectional survey. Twelve-month prevalences of the symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and flexural eczema were 8.7%, 10.5%, 7.3% in 6-12 yr olds, and 8.2%, 10.0%, 3.9% in 12-15 yr olds, respectively. For allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, and drug allergy, the prevalences in 6-12 yr olds were 11.2%, 6.5%, and 1.5%, respectively. Asthma and flexural eczema decreased significantly with age. Other significant risk factors were also noted. For 6-12 yr-old asthma, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of body mass index was 1.21 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-1.48, aOR of passive smoking was 1.37 with 95%CI 1.24-1.51, aOR of carpet use was 1.28 with 95%CI 1.10-1.49. For 6-12 yr-old eczema, aOR of affluence was 1.22 with 95%CI 1.07-1.39. The control of obesity and passive smoking would be the most important preventive measures of allergic diseases.

Serum alpha-tocopherol and selenium in Belgian infants and children.

Previous studies showed low selenium (Se) concentrations in Belgian children. Serum alpha-tocopherol, retinol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, selenium (Se), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were examined. In order to obtain further information on the Se status in Belgian children, Se, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, and lipid concentrations were examined and signs of peroxidative lipid damage were evaluated in a subgroup. The study was performed in 524 children (0-14 yr old) during vaccination campaigns. Three age groups were analyzed: 0-1, 1-4, and 4-14 yr. In 87 of them, where sufficient amounts of serum were available, analysis of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was done. Infants have high serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations: (23.2 micromol/L [median and interquartile range: 18.6-30.2]) and low Se concentrations (0.37 mol/L [0.27-0.47]). Se concentrations rise significantly during the first 4 yr (p < 0.0001) (Mann-Whitney U-test, tied p-values): 0.70 micromol/L (0.59-0.82); in the 4-14 yr olds, it was 0.75 micromol/L (0.67-0.86). These values remain low compared to results coming from other parts of the world. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations decrease significantly after infancy (p < 0.0001). The ratio alpha-tocopherol/total cholesterol is higher in infants. This is induced by the high vitamin E content of infant formulas. Signs of serum lipid peroxidation could not be detected by analysis of serum malondialdehyde concentrations. High alpha-tocopherol concentrations, as those observed in infant serum lipids, could be one of the protective mechanisms from the peroxidative lipid damages, sometimes observed in a low-Se status.

Factors related to missed and cancelled dental appointments among adolescents in Norway.

The aim of this study was to explore possible explanatory factors related to high frequency of missed/cancelled dental appointments during the age group 12-18 yr. A total of 754 20 yr olds completed a questionnaire including variables measuring demographics, occupation (school/job), attendance pattern, attitudes to dentists, opinion about importance of dental treatment, and the psychometric scales Dental Fear Scale (DFS), Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS) and Geer Fear Scale (GFS). Based on written consents, the following data were recorded from their dental records: the total number of scheduled appointments, the number of missed and cancelled appointments and the individual caries experience of those in the age group 12-18 yr. A total of 124 subjects who had missed/cancelled 20% or more of their dental appointments during this age were defined as a target group. A stepwise regression model indicated that the likelihood of being included in the target group increased by a factor of 6.0 if the subject had forgotten dental appointments during the last 5 yr, by a factor of 3.5 for working or without specified occupation (as opposed to attending school), by a factor of 2.7 for negative beliefs of dentists, and by a factor of 2.1 for high caries experience.

PQCT measurement of bone parameters in young children: validation of technique.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures areal bone mineral density (BMD) and is affected by bone size. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measures volumetric density and should not be affected by bone size. We hypothesized that pQCT could be used to measure geometric parameters in the tibia and that bone size, not density, would correlate with weight and height in 3 and 4 yr olds. Phantom measurements indicate that accurate results for cortical volumetric bone mineral density can be obtained at cortical thickness > 2 mm with voxel/speed sizes of 0.40/20 mm/s. Correlations between pQCT measured geometric bone parameters and phantom calculations were observed (all r > 0.96). Baseline data from an ongoing trial of 101 preschool children (53 male) were used to correlate bone parameters and anthropometrics. Total cross-sectional area, cortical area, and cortical thickness correlated with weight (r = 0.54, p < 0.001; r = 0.52, p < 0. 001; r = 0.30, p = 0.002) and height (r = 0.41, p < 0.001; r = 0.55, p < 0.001; r = 0.41, p < 0.001). Because of the small cortical thickness at this age (mean = 1.2 mm) cortical density was not analyzed. In a regression model including height and weight, weight was the only predictor of total cross-sectional area (p < 0.001); cortical thickness was predicted by height (p = 0.006). Both height (p = 0.005) and weight (p = 0.05) predicted the cortical area. In summary, pQCT accurately measures total cross-sectional area, cortical area, and cortical thickness in children age 3-4 yr.

Modeling growth and maturation changes in peak oxygen uptake in 11-13 yr olds.

The influence of gender, growth, and maturation on peak O(2) consumption (VO(2 peak)) in 11-13 yr olds were examined by using multilevel regression modeling. Subjects were 119 boys and 115 girls, aged 11.2 +/- 0.4 (SD) yr at the onset of the study. Sexual maturation was classified according to Tanner's indexes of pubic hair. VO(2 peak) was determined annually for 3 yr. The initial model identified body mass and stature as significant explanatory variables, with an additional positive effect for age and incremental effects for stage of maturation. A significant gender difference was apparent with lower values for girls, and an age-by-gender interaction indicated a progressive divergence in boys' and girls' VO(2 peak). Subsequent incorporation of the sum of two skinfold thicknesses into the model negated stature effects, reduced the gender term, and explained much of the observed maturity effects. The body mass exponent almost doubled, but the age-by-gender interaction term was consistent with the initial model.

Questionnaires in asthma epidemiology

:In epidemiological studies of asthma, questionnaires arewidely accepted methods of identifying affected subjects.International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood(ISAAC) is an international project aiming to determinethe prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema inchildren living in different countries [1].The written questionnaire includes questions on respi-ratory symptoms such as frequency and severity of whe-ezing and cough. It ends with a question about diagnosedasthma.Published results of the worldwide ISAAC study poin-ted to a large variation in the prevalence of self-reportedsymptoms of asthma [2–4]. The question concerningwhether the child had ever had asthma ranged 1.6– 28.2%.In our town, physicians are reluctant to diagnose childrenas having asthma, if they have recurrent wheezing.The frequency of asthma in Curitiba was 6.5 and 8.6%,respectively for 6-7 and 13–14 yr olds using the ISAACquestionnaire. This is definitely an underestimation of theprevalence of asthma.Thus, to assess a more realistic prevalence, we selectedquestions that could be considered strongly suggestive ofa diagnosis of asthma. They are presented in table 1.This cumulative frequency was then named probableasthma. Although there is a tendency to pick up moresevere asthma, it may not detect all cases of asthma. How-ever, it is more informative than relying on the questionhave you ever had asthma? We suggest that probableasthma is closer to actual figures and may be helpful incomparing point prevalence of active asthma in differentcountries.

Worldwide variations in the prevalence of asthma symptoms: the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was designed to allow comparisons between populations in different countries. ISAAC Phase One, reported here, used standardized simple surveys which were conducted among representative samples of school children from centres in most regions of the world. Two age groups (13-14 and 6-7 yrs) with approximately 3,000 children in each group were studied in each centre. The 13-14 yr olds (n=463,801) were studied in 155 centres (56 countries) and the 6-7 yr olds (n=257,800) were studied in 91 centres (38 countries). There were marked variations in the prevalence of asthma symptoms with up to 15-fold differences between countries. The prevalence of wheeze in the last 12 months ranged from 2.1-32.2% in the older age group and 4.1-32.1% in the younger age group and was particularly high in English speaking countries and Latin America. A video questionnaire completed in the older age group in 99 centres (42 countries) showed a similar pattern. The major differences between populations found in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase One are likely to be due to environmental factors. The results provide a framework for studies between populations in contrasting environments which are likely to yield new clues about the aetiology of asthma.

Does Puerperal Norplant Insertion Predispose Teens To Postpartum Depression?• 18

Progestins alter central neurotransmitter levels and can cause depression. Administration of exogenous progestins during the puerperium could exacerbate postpartum depression. We hypothesized that teens who have a Norplant inserted during the puerperium are more apt to become depressed then those who do not. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the incidence of depression (score≥17 on the CESD-depression scale) 1 year postpartum in 212, consecutively delivered, ≤18 yr olds. Participants were divided into 3 groups: 100 (47%) had Norplant inserted during the puerperium; 72 (34%) had Norplant inserted during the next 10 mos; and 40 (19%) used other contraceptives (40% pills; 17% condoms; 43% nothing). Bivariate analyses revealed no group differences in: age (17±1 yrs), medicaid use (93% users), parity (80% primiparas); school drop out (35%), race/ethnicity (47% minority), the prevalence of teen parents in the environment, or risk factors for postpartum depression(depression before/during pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcome, no longer involved with baby's father, and inadequate social support). Teens who had puerperal Norplant insertions were more apt to have been abused in the past(p=.01) & less apt to have new boyfriends (p=.03). Complaints of dysphoria and moodiness were common among Norplant users (70%), but puerperal Norplant insertion was not associated with depression. The mean CESD scores of puerperal Norplant users and users of other contraceptives were significantly lower than those of other Norplant users (13±11 v 11±8 v 18±13, respectively; p=.004), as was the incidence of depression (30% v 23% v 45%, respectively; p=.04). Multivariate analyses did not alter this finding. Postpartum contraceptive group remained the most important determinant of CESD-score and depression. This study shows that progestins are more apt to cause depression when administered after the puerperium. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this intriguing finding remain to be elucidated. We hypothesize that this differential effect of exogenous progestins on these young mothers' moods is related to the resumption of endogenous ovarian cycling.

Dietary Quality in Girls Who Report Dieting

LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine whether dieting and weight concerns influence nutrient intake in females 8–17 years of age. A cross-section of young females (n=230) 8–17 years of age from a rural community in Nebraska were surveyed to determine whether dieting and weight behaviors impacts nutrient intake. Research has indicated that dieting behaviors emerge during these years. A previously validated 13-item questionnaire was used to assess frequency of thoughts and practices which involve weight and dieting concerns. Three day diet diaries were analyzed for nutrients and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) using Food Processor Plus II software. Using the diet record, a Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) score was determined, based on the intake of 9 nutrients divided by the RDA for the nutrient. These values are then totaled and divided by the number of nutrients studied. Results indicated that 78% of all the girls who answered they “sometimes” or “very often” wished they were thinner, had significantly lower MAR scores (P = 0.0001) then those girls who did not wish they were thinner. Dieting “sometimes” or “very often” was reported by 47% of all girls and they were found to have significantly lower MAR scores (P = 0.0002) than those who did not diet. MAR scores for all girls reporting dieting was 76.4 ± 12.9%. Nutrient inadequacies included: calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C. When analysis of variance was completed on groups by age (8–10, 11–14, and 15–17 yrs) significantly lower MAR scores were only associated with both the desire to be thinner (P=0.04) and reported dieting (P=0.0001) in the 11–14 yr olds. From this study, we conclude there is an association between dieting and weight concerns, and dietary intake in girls 11–14 yrs. This study also suggests that some girls are not meeting minimal nutritional needs which may have a cumulative negative effect on growth and development.

SENESCENCE AND REPRODUCTIVE VALUE IN SPARROWHAWKS

A long-term study of marked individuals in a numerically stable Sparrowhawk breeding population enabled the reproductive and survival rates of females of different ages to be calculated. These estimates were then used to calculate reproductive value, the mean number of young produced by females of different ages during the rest of their lives. The data provided evidence, not only for improvement in survival and breeding success in the early years of life, but also for senescence, i.e., a deterioration in survival and breeding success later in life. Average annual survival increased from 0.49 in 1st-yr females to 0.66 in 4 yr olds, and declined to 0.28 in 9 yr olds (maximum life-span 10 yr). Average annual production of young increased from 0.3 in 1st-yr females (including nonbreeders) to 3.3 in 5 yr olds, and declined to 1.8 in 9 yr olds. Mean reproductive value increased from 3.1 in 1st-yr females (including nonbreeders) to 8.1 in 4 yr olds, and declined to 2.1 in 9 yr olds.

A reason why measures to avoid mite-induced asthma are more effective in children than in adults.

Mite-sensitive asthmatics seem to respond more markedly to a reduction in mite allergen in the bedding if they are children than if they are adults. In order to investigate this difference, 882 children who attended our allergy clinic were studied. The accompanying parents were asked standardized questions, and skin prick tests to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae were performed on the children. The number of hours that the children spent in bed lessened progressively with increasing age, from a mean of 13.6 hrs. for 1 year olds to 9.5 hrs for 17 yr olds: the mean for the total population was 12.0 hrs. This was significantly longer than the mean for the parents, 8.4 hrs (p=.000). It is likely that a longer period of exposure to mite allergen in bed is an important reason why children respond more markedly to avoidance measures in the bedroom than adults do.

Asthmatic Children Treated in School: A Population-Based Survey† 583

Background: Asthma is the leading chronic illness in school-aged children. A community-based initiative to improve the care and school performance of children with chronic health problems was developed in E. Virginia as a partnership of public schools and health care providers. This study is part of a needs assessment to guide policy and programs for school-aged children. Study population: School children residing in Portsmouth and VA Beach, proximal cities in E. VA. Compared to VA Beach, Portsmouth has more child poverty (27% vs. 8%); black pop. (57% vs 16%); and school drop-outs (16% vs. 9%). Objective: To describe the pattern of asthma medication use in public schools compared to asthma hospitalization rates in school-aged children. Methods: School health databases developed for Portsmouth and VA Beach school districts included all students enrolled in 1995. The databases identified students administered asthma medication in school, their age, grade, race and gender. The 1995 Virginia Health Information dataset was used to analyze all hospitalizations for asthma among school-aged children (6-17 yrs) residing in the study cities.Results: In Portsmouth, 7.8% of students (N=15,489) received medication for asthma while in school; increasing slightly between grade school (6-10 yr olds; 7.4%) and middle/high school (11-17 yr olds; 8.2%). Administration of asthma medication in school occurred significantly(P<.05) more often among male (8.8%) than female (6.8%) and black (8.6%) than white (6.6%) students. In VA Beach, 3.5% of students (N=87,947) received medication for asthma while in school; decreasing slightly between grade school (3.8%) and middle /high school students (3.3%). Male gender and black race were significantly associated with increased asthma medication usage in VA Beach schools. The asthma hospitalization rate was 4.8 per 1000 school-aged children in Portsmouth compared to 0.8 per 1000 school-aged children in VA Beach. Risk of hospitalization compared to asthma medication use in schools was significantly higher for male and black students in both school districts.Conclusions: Treatment of asthma in school occurs relatively often in low-income, predominantly black urban areas. Such data are needed to focus local school health resources and to guide development of health care policy aimed toward improving care delivery to pediatric at-risk populations.

Differences between males and females in mean IQ and university examination performance in Ireland

The thesis that among adults males have a higher mean IQ than females and perform better at university is examined for Ireland. Evidence is presented from the Irish standardisation sample of the Differential Aptitude Test that among 17–18 yr olds males have a higher mean IQ by 2.60 IQ points. Performance at Irish universities is also examined for approximately 7000 graduates over the years 1991–1993 and it was found that males obtained a significantly greater proportion of first class degrees. It is proposed that the sex difference in mean IQ explains the difference in examination performance.